Two scientists involved in chimpanzee research -- one maintaining that the animals should be kept in their native habitat in Africa without human interference, the other trying to train them in sign language in a domesticated atmosphere -- join forces when they learn that the government plans to cut off the language grant and use the chimps for radiation research.

The Enos duo convince Cletus, aka The Bandit, to come out of hiding and help them promote their new restaurant. With a little coaxing, he agrees, producing an almost-creaky Trigger as his mode of transport. But his nemesis, Sheriff Buford T. Justice, is on the hunt, forcing Cletus and Trigger to hit the road. Can they steer clear of the vengeful sheriff?